A New Albany lawmaker is speaking about a new proposal designed to prevent the spread of HIV.

In a recent outbreak in Scott County, 81 people tested positive for HIV.

Gov. Mike Pence declared a health emergency last week, allowing a needle exchange program only in that county.

Republican Rep. Ed Clere has drafted a bill that would let other counties put in place needle exchange programs.

"We have to recognize that there are other counties at risk and get in front of this in those counties," said Clere. "This legislation will allow us to get out in front of other crises, other potential crises. We ought to be approaching this as proactively ... being proactive."

Hepatitis C rates would be used to flag 23 counties with the highest risk for an HIV outbreak.